Fabric Workshop and Museum
| Type | Contemporary art museum, residency program |
|---|---|
| Address | 1214 Arch Street |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Center City |
| Phone | (215) 561-8888 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1977 |
| Founder | Marion Boulton Stroud |
| Director | Christina Vassallo |
| Hours | Wed-Fri 12-6 PM; Sat-Sun 12-5 PM |
The Fabric Workshop and Museum (FWM) is a contemporary art museum and artist-in-residence program in Center City. Founded in 1977, it is the only institution in the United States devoted to creating new work in fabric and other materials through an artist residency program. Major artists including Louise Bourgeois, Robert Rauschenberg, Kiki Smith, and Roy Lichtenstein have created innovative works through the Workshop's collaborative process.[1]
The Fabric Workshop invites artists to work with skilled studio artisans to explore new materials and techniques, often resulting in groundbreaking works that expand the definition of contemporary art. The museum presents exhibitions of these commissioned works alongside rotating shows of contemporary art, making it one of Philadelphia's most distinctive art institutions.[2]
History
Founding
The Fabric Workshop was founded in 1977 by Marion Boulton Stroud (1939-2021) as an experimental studio where artists could explore working with fabric as a medium. Stroud, a Philadelphia philanthropist and art patron, saw an opportunity to support artists by providing resources and expertise in textile production.
Evolution
Over nearly five decades, the Fabric Workshop has evolved:
- Expanded beyond fabric to include all experimental materials
- Established a permanent collection
- Became a museum with regular exhibitions
- Hosted hundreds of artist residencies
- Gained international recognition
Artist-in-Residence Program
The residency program is the institution's core mission:
- Artists are invited for extended residencies
- Skilled artisans collaborate on production
- New materials and techniques are explored
- Resulting works often enter the permanent collection
The Residency Program
How It Works
- Artists apply or are invited
- Selected artists work with FWM staff
- Experimentation with materials is encouraged
- Technical expertise is provided
- Works are exhibited and often acquired
Notable Alumni
Hundreds of major artists have participated:
| Artist | Work/Contribution |
|---|---|
| Louise Bourgeois | Fabric sculptures |
| Robert Rauschenberg | Experimental prints |
| Kiki Smith | Textile works |
| Roy Lichtenstein | Industrial felt works |
| Chris Burden | Sculptural works |
| Carrie Mae Weems | Fabric installations |
Materials Explored
Artists at FWM have worked with:
- Silk screening and fabric printing
- Industrial felt and unusual textiles
- Paper and printmaking
- LED and new technology
- Recycled and found materials
- Whatever the artist imagines
Exhibitions
The Collection
FWM maintains a collection of over 5,000 works created through its residency program. These works:
- Document the creative process
- Represent major artists' experimental phases
- Are loaned to institutions worldwide
- Form the basis of exhibitions
Exhibition Program
The museum presents:
- Solo exhibitions by resident artists
- Thematic shows from the collection
- Special commissions
- Traveling exhibitions
Current Space
The museum occupies gallery space at 1214 Arch Street in Center City:
- Main gallery exhibitions
- Project spaces for smaller shows
- The Studio for artist residencies
Visiting the Museum
Hours
- Wednesday-Friday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Closed: Monday and Tuesday
Admission
- Adults: Approximately $10 (check website for current pricing)
- Seniors/Students: Discounted rates
- Members: Free
- Free on select days
Tips
- Allow 1 hour for a visit
- Check website for current exhibitions
- The experimental nature of the work is the highlight
- Good for contemporary art enthusiasts
- Ask about the residency process
Getting There
- SEPTA Market-Frankford Line: 13th Street Station
- SEPTA Broad Street Line: City Hall Station
- SEPTA Regional Rail: Jefferson Station (2 blocks)
- Walking: Located on Arch Street between 12th and 13th Streets
- Parking: Nearby parking garages
Nearby Attractions
- Reading Terminal Market (2 blocks)
- Pennsylvania Convention Center (2 blocks)
- Chinatown, Philadelphia (5-minute walk)
- Philadelphia City Hall (5-minute walk)
Programs
Public Programs
- Artist talks
- Opening receptions
- Panel discussions
- Workshops
Education
- School programs
- Gallery talks
- Internships
- Study opportunities
See Also
References
- ↑ "About FWM". Fabric Workshop and Museum. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "Fabric Workshop and Museum". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025